Packing List for Traveling in South Africa

thefootloosescribbler

Here is a list of what we packed (and should have packed) for South Africa. We went casual all the way, which fit in well with the local scene.

• Passports and copies of passports
• Copies of Children’s Birth Certificates (we did not pack these which was a HUGE mistake)
• Road Map (another thing we should have packed!)
• Print outs of Itineraries and Reservations
• Dry Shampoo (in case of water shortage)
• Baby/Hand Wipes (ditto, also good for car trips)
• Usual Toiletries
• Mosquito Lotion – We used Picaridin lotion, but Deet is best.
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Leave Jewelry at Home
• Hiking Pants – quick dry
• Hiking Shorts – quick dry
• Jeans
• Casual Wear Shorts
• Leggings or Sweats for comfort wear
• T-shirts – quick dry and normal
• Long sleeve t-shirts for layering
• Sweatshirt or sweater
• Mid-weight Jacket
• Rain Jacket
• Sun Hat
• Knit Hat (if traveling in the mountains or open air, early morning safari drives)
• Warm Gloves (ditto)
• Hiking Shoes or Sneakers with treads
• Hiking socks and regular socks
• Flip flops for community showers and beach
• Bathing Suit
• PJs
• Underclothes

I pre-sprayed our safari clothing with Picaridin clothing spray a few days before our trip, giving them time to air out before packing. The stuff works well!

I also read you shouldn’t wear red clothing (it attracts animals) nor white clothing (it startles animals). Neutral colors are best.

• Binoculars (get good ones!)
• Wildlife Field Guide and Travel Books
• Cameras and extra SD Cards
• Camera and Phone Chargers
• Cell Phones (but take them away from your kids!)
• Playing Cards
• Journals/Pens
• Books
• Drawing/Coloring Books

You don’t need to wear “safari clothes” on safari. You will be staying in your car so wear comfortable clothing. Layers are always a good idea.

Hope this helps!